“Smooth” by Santana and Rob Thomas

The writer here describes his partner as smooth because he believes that she is perfect and without flaws. The song is entirely based on words of adoration towards this love interest yet captures his uncertainty due to a few of her actions.

The track starts with the singer addressing how he is mesmerized by this lady’s words and goes on to give her several titles while suggesting that she is the reason why he is excited in life. The writer expresses how he is willing to give up his own world and do everything possible to make her world comfortable if she ever thinks that life isn’t going well.

In the chorus, and subsequent lines however, the singer reveals his insecurity by asking this lady to give him her heart and truly mean it. Apparently, this person may be a bit emotionally detached, hence his precaution. Though he initially tells her to forget it if she wouldn’t put in all her effort, the song ends with the singer somehow pleading that she shouldn’t forget, implying his willingness to be available to her even if she is not in it for real.

Facts about “Smooth”

This song was written by Itaal Shur alongside Rob Thomas. It was produced by Matt Serletic and released on June 15, 1999 as the fifth track on Santana’s album titled Supernatural.

Thomas was not meant to sing the lead part, however Arista Records asked him to record it after the song was completed.

Most of the lyrics were inspired by Thomas’ Puerto Rican wife, Marisol Maldonado.

In 2000, the song won the following two major Grammys:

• Record of the Year 
• Song of the Year